iPad Provides New Opportunities for Child with Autism

Shannon Des Roches Rosa bought a $5 raffle ticket that resulted in a new iPad for Leo, her son with autism. Leo had tried the iPod Touch, but his motor skills make the iPad much easier for him to use. His mom says it’s sturdy and can handle Leo’s touching, swiping, and tapping. Leo has already mastered more detailed drawings. He enjoys apps such as the spelling programs, First Words, and IwriteWords. One program the entire family has used to help Leo is Stories2Learn. Shannon says, “Our entire family had a great time putting together the photos, captions, and voiceover for this social story about Leo visiting a local cafe – the process was so easy, and fast, and Leo loves the story so much I had to have his sister demo it, as Leo likes the voiceovers to repeat several times.” Shannon shares with readers other iPad applications and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps she’s found that help children with autism.